Write a comment
Armagh ladies triumphed over Donegal 0-10 to 1-4 in the TG4 Ulster Senior Championship opener at the Box-It Athletic Grounds yesterday 26 April.
The opening quarter of the game was keenly contested, with chances at both ends. Armagh got the better of it with Aimee and Blaithin Mackin scoring either side of a Caroline O'Hanlon point, before Donegal's Evelyn McGinley got them up and running with what proved to be their only score of the first half.
However, the visitors were left to rue missing three goal chances. Susanne White and Ciara McGarvey both came inches away, both hitting the inside of the post, before Feena McManamon got in behind and looked certain to score but was denied by an excellent Cait Towe block.
The second quarter belonged to the home side, as they rattled off five points in a row. Blaithin Mackin started the run, with Aoife McCoy and Catherine Marley also getting in on the act.
Blaithin Mackin put the icing on the cake for a superb first half performance with a two-pointer.
After Blaithin stole the show in the first half, it was her older sister Aimee who opened the second half's scoring. At the other end, Donegal finally broke their barren run, having gone 30 minutes of football without a score when half-time substitute Eva Gallgher fired over.
Armagh could have put the result beyond all doubt 10 minutes into the second half when Caoimhe McNally narrowly missed the top corner. It looked as though she was shooting for a point, but her attempt flew across the face of goal and beat Donegal goalkeeper Clare Friel and went just wide.
The next score went Donegal's via a White free, but Armagh continued to control the contest, often holding the ball for prolonged periods of time, to prevent Donegal from building any momentum. One such move saw Armagh methodically keep possession before paying off the move with a Niamh Reel point.
Armagh looked comfortable, leading 0-10 to 0-3 late on, but Donegal kept fighting and a point from Mia Bennett and a Roisin Rodgers goal made it a one-score game in the dying seconds. However, they ran out of time and Armagh held on for the win.
Final score Armagh 0-10 Donegal 1-4
Scorers: Armagh: B Mackin 0-4, (1tp), A Mackin 0-2, C O'Hanlon 0-1, A McCoy 0-1, C Marley 0-1, N Reel 0-1.
Donegal: R Rodgers 1-0, E McGinley 0-1, E Gallagher 0-1, S White 0-1 (1f), M Bennett 0-1.
ARMAGH: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, C Towe; Emily Druse, A Donnelly, L Marsden; B Mackin, C O’Reilly; C McNally, A McCoy, C Marley; A Mackin, C O’Hanlon, M Lennon. Subs: S Quigley for B Mackin (42), N Reel for Lennon (46), Elsie Druse for Marsden (55), C Nugent for O'Reilly (56), E Lavery for Marley (57).
DONEGAL: C Friel; N Carr, E McGinley, S McFeely; T Hegarty, F McManamon, S McFadden; U Boyle, R Rodgers (capt.); A Caulfield, K Dowds, N Boyle; S White, J McFadden, C McGarvey. Subs: E Gallagher for McFadden (HT), C Brennan for McManamon (40), Cait Gillespie for White (46), R McColgan for Caulfield (55), M Bennett for McGarvey (55).
Referee: David Hurson (Monaghan).
Write a comment
Allianz has announced a new brand ambassador partnership with Irish heptathlete and Olympian Kate O'Connor.
Newry born O'Connor joins fellow ambassadors Rhasidat Adeleke and Orla Comerford in the Allianz setup. Her recent record-breaking silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, along with a new National Record and a World Indoor Bronze, have established her as one of Ireland's top athletes on the world stage.
Speaking about the announcement, Kate O'Connor said: "I am delighted to join the Allianz team alongside such incredible athletes as Rhasidat and Orla. Allianz has a long history of supporting Irish sport at every level, and I am excited to work with them as I continue my 2026 season and begin the long-term road to the Los Angeles 2028 Games."
Mark Brennan, Head of Marketing at Allianz Ireland, said: "We are thrilled to officially welcome Kate O'Connor to the Allianz family. Kate is a perfect partner for us; her incredible versatility and dedication on the world stage - from her record-breaking silver in Tokyo to her recent National Record - perfectly mirror our own values of excellence and being 'there' when it matters most."
As part of the partnership, O'Connor will support the Allianz-backed 'Dare to Believe' Olympic schools programme, which aims to bring the spirit of the Olympics into classrooms across Ireland. She will also be involved in Allianz's 'Keep Playing' campaign, an initiative designed to address declining sports participation among young people. Currently, one in five children in Ireland drops out of sport between primary and secondary school, and Allianz says its sports partnerships enable over 60,000 children each year to engage with sport.
Brennan added that Allianz looks forward "to standing by Kate's side throughout the 2026 season and on her journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Games."
Write a comment
Newry City AFC has announced a new partnership with LLS and Newry High School that will deliver a full-time Football Performance Programme to the area. The two-year Newry City Scholarship Programme is aimed at students who have completed their GCSEs and wish to continue their education alongside full-time football training and competition.
The programme centres on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Coaching and Development, a qualification equivalent to three A* grades at A Level. It offers students a direct pathway into university, scholarships, employment and careers within football.
Those taking part will receive four training sessions per week, a competitive games programme, strength and conditioning work, weekly work experience and trips away. The qualification also opens doors to higher education and wider careers in sport.
The same programme is already being delivered at clubs including Larne FC, Cliftonville FC and Dungannon Swifts FC.
For young people in the Newry area who have finished their GCSEs, the programme offers a chance to remain in education while developing both on and off the pitch. Places are limited and those interested can apply at llsonline.uk
Write a comment
Tyrone defeated Armagh by five points at O'Neill's Healy Park to secure top spot in the TG4 Ulster Senior Championship round-robin before the same two counties meet in the final in a couple of weeks.
Armagh were first on the board, with Kelly Mallon pointing seconds after the throw-in, but the first half belonged to Tyrone.
They hit back by raising a green flag at the other end, as Maeve Maxwell drilled the ball into the back of the net after fielding Aoife Horisk's delivery.
Niamh O'Neill and Niamh Reel traded points, before Tyrone's Aoife Quinn paid off a slick handpassing move by fisting over.
The Red Hand County had another goal chance when Katie Rose Muldoon got in one on one, but she was denied by Orchard goalkeeper Cailin Traynor.
Emma Conroy and Mallon (free) traded the next two scores, before a Elle McNamee point for the hosts was answered by a Sarah Quigley two-pointer for Armagh.
Tyrone responded immediately however, with O'Neill driving forward, playing a one-two with Maxwell and slotting over. A pointed free from Horisk had them 1-7 to 0-5 to the good at half-time.
It took 12 minutes until the first score of the second half, with both sides struggling with accuracy in front of the posts. Armagh hit two wides and dropped a shot short during this period, whilst Tyrone hit three wides, saw a Horisk shot pushed onto the bar by Traynor and Maxwell's rebound blocked on the line by Maeve Ferguson.
Red Hand midfielder Meabh Mallon broke the scoreless spell with a superb point from distance. The game was in its fourth quarter before Armagh finally opened their second half tally, with Reel knocking over a close range free.
Tyrone managed their lead very well in the closing stages by patiently probing on the attack and finishing off a prolonged period of possession with a Maxwell point.
Armagh kept fighting and got late scores from Maeve Lennon and Eimear McConaghy, but it was not enough and Tyrone put the icing on the cake with one final point from Horisk.
The two sides will lock horns once more in the TG4 Ulster Senior Football Championship final in two weeks' time.
Final score: Tyrone 1-10 Armagh 0-8
Scorers – Tyrone: M Maxwell 1-1, N O'Neill 0-2, A Horisk 0-2 (1f), A Quinn 0-1, E Conroy 0-1, E McNamee 0-1, C McNamee 0-1, M Mallon 0-1.
Armagh: K Mallon 0-2 (1f), S Quigley 0-2 (1tp), N Reel 0-2 (1f), M Lennon 0-1, E McConaghy 0-1
TYRONE:A Coyle; C Coltan, J Barrett (capt.), G McKenna; K.R. Muldoon, C Campbell, E McCanny; M Mallon, A Quinn; E McNamee, A Horisk, E Conroy; N O’Neill, M Maxwell, C McNamee. Subs: E McCrossan for O'Neill (HT), C McCallion for McKenna (HT), C McCoubrey for Campbell (HT), A McHugh for E McNamee (47).
ARMAGH: C Traynor; M Ferguson, L Kavanagh, C Towe (capt.); Elsie Druse,A Donnelly, E Reid; M Loughran, S Quigley; N Reel, E Lavery, L Marsden; E Cassidy, E McGeown, K Mallon. Subs: E McConaghy for Mallon (HT), C Nugent for Cassidy (HT), M Lennon for Lavery (43), B Carragher for Loughran (50), C Henderson for McGeown (50).
Write a comment
There scarcely can be a more picturesque GAA grounds than Thomas Davis GAC, Corrinshego with outstanding vistas over the Bernish, up to Cloughoge and beyond to Slieve Foye.
Saturday 9 May saw the venue used for the first time for a competitive inter county hurling game, with Armagh taking on Louth and in truth the location beside the A1 probably made it easier for Louth players to get to, than for some of the Armagh ones!
The Nickey Rackard Cup clash took place against the backdrop of the passing Enterprise trains with passengers having a grandstand view of the proceedings, though unfortunately from an Armagh point of view, first half action was poor with Louth leaving the field 13 points ahead, scoring 2-13 to Armagh's 0-6.
In their defence though Louth did have the benefit of playing with a strong wind behind them and the second half saw Armagh use the wind advantage to work their way back into the game with a 3 goal tally but it was too little too late and the game ended 3 points behind for the orchard county.
Newry surely must be the only city in Ireland that has two county grounds serving different counties!
Final score Armagh 3-16 Louth 3-19
Write a comment
Children from St Michael's Primary School, Killean could scarcely contain their excitement as they waited in the freezing cold yesterday 14 May for a visit by GAA President, Jarlath Burns and Chairman of the Armagh County Board, Sean McAlinden.
The visitors called at St Michael's GAC Social Club and the youngsters certainly were high on life, chanting "Jarlath Burns, Jarlath Burns, Jarlath Burns" long before the Silverbridge Harps clubman appeared.
Pat Hill, Co-Chair of St Michael's GAC welcomed the visitors. "It's a great honour for the club and the community to welcome the President and Armagh Chairman here today. Your visit means so much to us, not only because of the positions you hold but as a recognition for the commitment, hard work and spirit that exists in St Michael's Killean. Your presence at our club today - we are very proud to have you. This club is at the heart of the community and your presence gives encouragement to everyone, especially our young people, who are the future of the club, the community and the GAA."
The GAA President expressed his delight at being able to visit and meeting the children who got off early from school. He added to whoops of delight "The GAA president doesn't have too many powers, but the one power that I have is to say that you have no homework."
Burns then unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and then it was time for everyone to get that historic photograph and plenty of chat.
Write a comment
No Bull Gym in Newry is hosting a team relay fitness event on Sunday 31 May, challenging local businesses and families to find out which has the fittest and toughest workforce/ family. Newry's Fittest Business 2026 is a TRYKA-style competition open to teams of four, with spots already filling up ahead of the event. The TRYKA Clan Family Simulation is also open to a team of 4/5.
Each team member completes two runs of 800 metres along with two functional fitness stations chosen from a range of exercises including Ski Erg, Farmer's Carry, RAM Thrusters, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Rowing, Walking Lunges and Burpee Broad Jumps. It is a relay format, meaning while one person is on the course, the remaining three team members are recovering. The clock stops when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Organisers are keen to stress that teams do not need to be made up of elite athletes, rather four people willing to work hard, push one another and represent their business.
The winning team will take home the official Newry's Fittest Business 2026 Trophy, with their company name engraved as the first-ever winners, to be kept in the workplace for the full year.
Entry costs £80 per team, which organisers note qualifies as a staff entertainment expense under HMRC's annual staff event exemption of £150 per head, making it fully deductible against Corporation Tax with no Benefit in Kind charge for employees.
As well as the business event the gym are also hosting a family one comprising of 2 adults and 2/3 children with a charge of £40.
Teams already confirmed include Just Good Grub, City Sips and Newry BID, among others. Places are limited and those interested are encouraged to register soon given the event is weeks away.
Teams can book via Eventbrite
Business one at www.eventbrite.co.uk
Family one at tryka-clan-family
Write a comment
Newry City AFC has agreed a two-year partnership with Newry sportswear brand PLAYR-FIT. The deal will cover match kits, training wear, and a new range of leisure and supporter apparel and the business will become the club's official kit supplier.
The new range has been designed to reflect the identity and ambition of Newry City AFC both on and off the pitch. Beyond kit supply, PLAYR-FIT will also work with the club to support its branding, marketing, and wider commercial development.
Kieran Quinn said: "It's an honour to partner with Newry City AFC, a club with a passionate fanbase and strong community values. We're looking forward to developing kits and merchandise that celebrate the club's identity while delivering the latest in sportswear innovation."
Darren Mullen added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome PLAYR-FIT to Newry City AFC. As a local company with a growing reputation in the sportswear industry, PLAYR-FIT are a perfect fit for our club and our community. Their ambition and professionalism align perfectly with the direction of Newry City AFC, and we are excited to work together on what promises to be a fantastic partnership for our players, supporters, and wider community."
The partnership marks a further step in PLAYR-FIT's expansion across Irish football, as the brand continues to grow its presence and strengthen its reputation for performance wear and sports apparel.
Supporters are being told to keep an eye out for the upcoming reveal of the new kits and merchandise range.
Write a comment
Cleary Celtic are looking for players for their 2013-2014 youth team to play in the Mid Ulster League ahead of the new season, with open training sessions already under way. Sessions are being held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, with the venue to be confirmed.
The sessions, which started on 12 May, are open to any young players who want to get involved. Enjoy football in a positive, supportive environment.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Davey on 07593 262180. Places are expected to fill quickly, so early contact is encouraged.
 |
 |
 |